Rami Malek, who switches gears from the laconic Elliot in "Mr. Robot" to the dynamic Freddie Mercury in the widely distributed "Bohemian Rhapsody," will receive the Palm Springs International Film Festival's Breakthrough Performance Award.

He's the second honoree to be announced to appear at the festival's annual Film Awards Gala, hosted by Mary Hart and "Entertainment Tonight," and presented by American Express, Thursday, Jan. 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The festival runs Jan. 3-14 at venues throughout Palm Springs and Cathedral City.

“In the film Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek fully brings to life and embodies musical legend Freddie Mercury in what is truly an outstanding performance for this fine actor,” said festival Chairman Harold Matzner.

More than a bio-pic, Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises describe "Bohemian Rhapsody" as a celebration of the British rock band Queen and "its incendiary lead singer, Freddie Mercury."

The film traces the rise of the group and its frontman with an original screenplay by Anthony McCarten ("The Darkest Hour" and "The Theory of Everything"), and a story by McCarten and Peter Morgan ("The Queen" and "The Crown"). It climaxes with Malik re-creating Mercury's historic performance with Queen at the 1985 Live Aid benefit.

Malek has won an Emmy and Critics Choice Award for his starring role in television's psychological drama, "Mr. Robot," scheduled to return for a fourth season in 2019. He's also received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He voices the role of Flip McVicker in the animated TV hit, "BoJack Horseman."

The actor will be one of about a dozen honorees walking down the red carpet at the Palm Springs Convention Center with other celebrity filmmakers in a fundraiser for the nonprofit Palm Springs International Film Society. Glenn Close was previously announced as the Icon Award winner and more award winners are scheduled to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Some 2,500 people are expected at the gala while more than 135,000 people are expected to attend the entire festival. For gala tickets or tables, call (760) 969-7533. Film festival information can be obtained by calling (760) 778-8979 or (800) 898-7256 or by visiting psfilmfest.org.

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Tom Hanks, Amy Adams and Jim Parsons attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun

Tom Hanks, Amy Adams and Jim Parsons attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun

Guests attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun

Guests attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun

Guests attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun

Guests attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun

Guests attend the after party for the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala on Monday, January 2, 2016 in Palm Springs. Mahershala Ali is also pictured on the right corner. Richard Lui/The Desert Sun